(WEST LAFAYETTE) - New research shows that kids and teens who constantly have their eyes plugged with listening devices may be harming their ears.

Purdue University audiologist Shannon Van Hyfte says they're finding that young people who frequently use headphones or ear buds to listen to phones, music players or computers are losing their hearing. She says it's not just that devices are plugged in, but they have the volume turned up too loud for long periods of time.

Van Hyfte says things like concerts and prolonged noises were once the biggest concerns for young people, but now it's extended, daily use of devices that are posing the big threats.

She says hearing loss can also impact kids academically and socially. She adds the exposure is also happening in classrooms that employ ear buds for learning devices.

Van Hyfte says a rule of thumb is that students should still be able to clearly to hear what's happening around them while listening to ear buds or headphones. She says safe-listening headphones that limit loudness levels can also be used.